Ohio Fire Academy Celebrates Newest Class of EMT Graduates

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal's (SFM's) Ohio Fire Academy celebrated the graduation of its EMT class 138 earlier today at a ceremony held at SFM's campus in Reynoldsburg.

The 19 graduates represent communities throughout Ohio and Indiana. A complete list of graduates and their hometowns is available here.

These graduates successfully completed the Academy's rigorous seven-week, 166-hour training program, showcasing dedication and determination to join the ranks of Ohio's EMTs.

This marks the Ohio Fire Academy's second graduating class of 2026. Last year, a total of 82 individuals graduated from four EMT classes held at the academy.

"Throughout this program, these graduates have shown exceptional perseverance and a deep commitment to their training," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "Their readiness to step forward and support others in difficult and often critical moments reflects the highest ideals of our EMT profession. Each of them has earned every bit of pride they feel today."

These 19 graduates will now join the ranks of first responders in their communities, equipped with the qualifications they need to help protect Ohioans.

Jackson Bowers from Baltimore, Ohio said he is ready to use his training in important ways.

"This class was important because we were training to save people's lives, and I am hoping to use what I have learned to help someone who is hurting, or on the brink of death and help them survive," he said. "We had a great group of people. All of our instructors were great."

And Kennedy Helser of Heath, Ohio is just beginning her career as a first responder and said the class was an important steppingstone.

"I didn't really know what to expect coming into this, but it was a really great course and I had fun and really learned a lot," she said. "I'm looking forward to getting out there now to help people in my community."

A class photo is attached.

About the Division of State Fire Marshal
The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.